The Walk: A Devotional Podcast from Worship Leader Magazine

This week on The Walk, worship leader and Christian artist Magen Thurman shares a powerful and deeply personal testimony of surrender, identity, and rediscovering the voice of God in the wilderness. After years of leading worship and raising a family, Magen stepped away from recording—only to be called back in 2025 with a renewed fire and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to walk with Jesus. Through heartbreak, spiritual warfare, and wilderness seasons, she learned to worship not from the stage, but from the floor of her living room. 🎙️ In This Episode: Why surrendering her dream opened the door to her true calling How God spoke through literal dreams after her ministry collapsed What the wilderness teaches us about identity, trust, and timing The story behind her song Walk With Jesus Seeing the Father's love more clearly through raising children “God didn’t bring me into the wilderness to punish me. He brought me there to get Egypt out of me.” – Magen Thurman 🔗 Helpful Links: Follow Magen Thurman on Instagram Listen to her music on Spotify This episode is sponsored by Planning Center — the all-in-one platform to help you schedule teams, plan services, and keep your worship ministry organized.Start your free trial at planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Kurtis Parks has lived a remarkable worship journey—spanning rock bands, publishing deals, pastoral ministry, and now serving as a worship pastor in Richmond, VA. A former American Idol contestant and songwriter of over 1,200 songs, Kurtis shares his deeply personal transformation from chasing fame to fully surrendering his life to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this testimony-rich episode, Kurtis walks through decades of spiritual highs and valleys, ultimately revealing the moment a small group question redirected his destiny. Episode Highlights: From American Idol to a Holy Spirit-filled worship life The turning point that redefined Kurtis’s purpose How spiritual disciplines anchor his leadership What the Psalms teach us about authentic worship Leading worship vs. pastoring people: knowing the difference “You have to stop coming to God as a lead pastor—and start coming to Him as a son.” Helpful Links: Destination Church (Kurtis's current church) Bridges Nashville (Church he helped plant) Book Mentioned: Good Morning Holy Spirit – Benny Hinn Book Mentioned: The Pursuit of God – A.W. Tozer SPONSOR Planning CenterEasily organize your services and schedule your teams with Planning Center Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join us for a moving conversation with worship leader and songwriter Jenn Chenoweth as she shares her journey from childhood ministry roots to battling chronic pain, and how it all shaped her voice, heart, and theology of worship. A Southeastern University alum and respected leader, Jenn brings honesty, depth, and grace to everything she touches—including her new worship project Out to Get Me. In this episode: How early experiences shaped Jenn’s passion for worship The pain and purpose behind her vocal injury and recovery Embracing your voice when it doesn’t match your personality Why worship leaders must learn to rest—and how that itself is worship The story behind her new project and the surprising meaning of “Out to Get Me” Sponsored by Planning Center: Worship is about more than music—it’s about ministry. Planning Center is here to help you plan and resource your services with ease so your team can focus on what matters most. Explore Planning Center Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this powerful episode of The Walk, Clark Beckham shares how his journey from American Idol finalist to soul-stirring singer-songwriter has been shaped by faith, marriage, and the tension between performance and worship. From discovering his vocal identity post-puberty to leading with spiritual integrity in mainstream music, Clark reveals why surrender—not skill—is the true key to transformation. Whether you're a worship leader, singer, or just someone learning to trust God’s voice over your own, this episode will leave you deeply moved and freshly inspired. Who is Clark Beckham?Clark Beckham is a Grammy-nominated artist who rose to national fame as the runner-up on American Idol. Known for his soulful tone, technical brilliance, and heartfelt lyrics, Clark blends gospel, R&B, and jazz with a convictional call to holiness. He's performed with the Nashville Symphony, opened for artists like Jon Bellion, and is now signed with Nashville Christian Songwriters. ✨ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS How technique and surrender work together in worship The moment a vocal breakthrough changed everything at age 16 Why marriage shapes every musical decision he makes His deep convictions about singing “through redeemed eyes” The surprising way he warms up before a performance “If I’m singing about heartbreak, I want someone to check on me after the set. That’s the goal.” —Clark Beckham 🔗 HELPFUL LINKS Clark Beckham Website WorshipLeader.com Listen to More Episodes 🎙 PLANNING CENTER BLURB Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this unforgettable episode of The Walk, Lecrae shares the powerful story behind his latest album, Reconstruction, and the spiritual overhaul that brought it to life. From religious trauma in his upbringing to near-death experiences that led him back to Christ, Lecrae opens up about the cost of being a cultural bridge between faith and the world. Whether you're a worship leader, artist, or anyone caught between church culture and real-world struggle, Lecrae's journey will inspire you to let go of performative faith and embrace a deeper identity rooted in Christ. Who is Lecrae? Lecrae is a four-time Grammy-winning artist, New York Times bestselling author, actor, activist, and founder of Reach Records. Known for pushing boundaries in Christian hip-hop, he uses his platform to address faith, justice, identity, and transformation. Episode Highlights Why Lecrae had to deconstruct cultural Christianity to rebuild biblical faith The healing power behind the song "Holidays" with John Bellion How Lecrae creates safe spaces for artists like T.I. and Madison Ryann Ward to wrestle with faith What it cost him to step outside the church bubble and reach culture The spiritual weight and responsibility of doing prison ministry after release Helpful Links Lecrae – Official Site Stream Reconstruction on Reach Records WorshipLeader.com The Walk Podcast Feed Sponsored by Planning Center Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence. planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this unforgettable episode of The Walk, Colton Dixon shares a deeply personal journey from industry pressure to spiritual renewal. From his breakout moment on American Idol to chart-topping songs and even launching a fragrance, Colton’s story reveals the tension between platform and purpose. But it's his candid reflections on anxiety, fatherhood, and the call to authenticity that will stay with you. Whether you're a worship leader navigating industry expectations or a parent trying to live your faith at home, this conversation will inspire you to choose presence, purpose, and Jesus. Who is Colton Dixon? Colton Dixon is a gold-certified recording artist, husband, father of twins, and bold worshiper known for hits like “Build a Boat” and “Miracles.” He launched into national attention via American Idol and has since expanded his creative footprint to books, fragrances, and family-centered ministry. 🔑 Episode Highlights Why biblically sound music should never compromise authenticity How Romans 8 helped him overcome anxiety and inspired his latest single The responsibility of modeling faith at home as a father and artist Why “the plaque isn’t the point—it’s the people” How creative outlets like fragrance and fashion can still serve ministry 💬 One Powerful Quote “We’re not stopping at gold. It’s not for the plaque—it’s for the people.” 🔗 Helpful Links Colton Dixon's Website Listen to “The Love I Have for You” Shop Desert Rain Fragrance WorshipLeader.com More Episodes of The Walk 🙌 Sponsored by Planning Center Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence.planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

📄 Episode Summary / Show Notes In this unforgettable episode of The Walk, Melanie Penn shares her winding journey from Broadway stages to Redeemer’s worship ministry under Tim Keller, and ultimately to her calling as a Christian singer-songwriter. From striving for identity in the performing arts to discovering true worth in Christ, Melanie opens up about the divine redirection that led to The Rising, her new resurrection album told from the perspective of biblical witnesses. Whether you're a worship leader, creative, or a believer seeking deeper roots in the gospel, this conversation will reawaken your awe in the resurrection and stir your imagination for what sacred storytelling can become. Who is Melanie Penn? Melanie Penn is a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, formerly a Broadway performer and longtime worship leader at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. Her work blends narrative songwriting, Scripture, and artistic excellence. Her latest project, The Rising, is a first-person resurrection album voiced by biblical figures. Episode Highlights 🎭 Why performing other people’s words left her empty—and how God rewrote her story 🎤 The moment a Redeemer attendee offered to fund her first album ✝️ How New York after 9/11 became the birthplace of her faith 💔 What Peter’s redemption story taught her about honest faith 🎶 The creative process behind The Rising and writing “in character” from Scripture Helpful Links MelaniePenn.com WorshipLeader.com Sponsored by Planning Center Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence.LEARN MORE: planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ian Simkins: Faithfulness Over Platform in the Age of Distraction In this powerful episode of The Walk, pastor and communicator Ian Simkins shares how God has shaped his calling through quiet faithfulness, spiritual formation, and the tension between comfort and the cross. From preaching his first sermon at 16 to leading The Bridge Church outside of Nashville, Ian opens up about raising sons, resisting distraction, and confronting the pull of platform culture in the American church. If you've ever wrestled with calling, comfort, or the desire to be seen, this conversation will remind you that fruitfulness in the Kingdom is often born in the unseen places. 👤 Who Is Ian Simkins? Ian Simkins is the lead pastor of teaching and vision at The Bridge Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and host of The Common Good. A Detroit native, Ian has served communities in the U.S. and abroad—from the streets of India to the suburbs of Nashville. Known for his humility, humor, and theological depth, Ian is passionate about helping people live formed, faithful lives of mission and presence. ✨ Episode Highlights Why faithfulness must come before influence How to raise children in identity, not just morality The danger of distraction and the call to deep presence Why the Kingdom of God is about now, not just later How Ian’s church challenges comfort from the start 💬 One Powerful Quote “Public fruit grows from private formation.” 🔗 Helpful Links Learn more about Ian: thebridge.church Follow Ian’s podcast: The Common Good Explore worship leader resources: worshipleader.com Listen to more episodes: All Episodes of The Walk 🙌 What Is Planning Center? Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence.planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jamie MacDonald: How God Used Grief to Give Me My Voice Back In this raw and hope-filled episode of The Walk, breakout artist Jamie MacDonald shares how God met her in the depths of loss to restore her voice—both literally and spiritually. From being silenced as a child to standing on the K-LOVE Fan Awards stage, Jamie reflects on the years of hidden healing, background vocals, and divine timing that led to her debut single, Desperate. Whether you're walking through grief, rediscovering your calling, or learning to worship in weakness, Jamie’s story will remind you that God often uses our deepest valleys to bring forth our most powerful songs. 👤 Who Is Jamie MacDonald? Jamie MacDonald is one of Christian music’s most authentic emerging voices. Her single Desperate spent seven weeks at #1, and her recent collaboration with Lauren Daigle continues to impact listeners globally. Before launching her solo career, Jamie spent years writing, touring, and singing background vocals—until God called her out of the shadows and into the spotlight, through a season of caregiving, reconciliation, and raw surrender. ✨ Episode Highlights Why Jamie laid music down for seven years—and how grief called her back The day Lauren Daigle texted her out of the blue Singing for inmates—and how prison ministry unlocked her voice What happens when worship comes from weakness, not perfection The promise God gave her: “These songs will heal you first” 💬 One Powerful Quote “I stepped into the spotlight at the weakest point of my life—and that’s exactly where God showed up.” 🔗 Helpful Links Listen to Jamie's music: Jamie MacDonald on Spotify Watch the new version of Desperate with Lauren Daigle Read more artist stories and worship devotionals: worshipleader.com Follow the podcast feed: All Episodes of The Walk 🙌 What Is Planning Center? Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence. planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Finding God’s Presence in Fear and FamilyIn this moving episode of The Walk, Bethel Music worship leaders Paul and Hannah McClure share their journey of faith, worship, and family. From their roots as teenage worship leaders in North Carolina to writing anthems like I Belong to Jesus and Even Though I Walk, the McClures open their hearts about walking through miscarriage, confronting fear, and finding God’s presence in every season. They remind us that worship isn’t about performing for others but about returning to our first love—and that the truest songs often come from our hardest valleys. Episode Highlights Worship as a weapon against fear and anxiety The story behind I Belong to Jesus and Even Though I Walk Balancing family life with ministry and touring The power of excellence and anointing in worship Why identity must be rooted in Christ, not the stage Helpful Links Paul & Hannah McClure on Instagram Bethel Music Worship Leader Magazine Podcasts What Is Planning Center? Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence. planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.